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City of Chillicothe (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
This project will turn a vacant and blighted property into the Sixth Ward's first-ever park, providing access to outdoor space for all generations.
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Wayne, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Derby's Alley, located in downtown Wayne, was underutilized, but organizers with Wayne Ripple Effect saw its potential as a community gathering space. To showcase the alley, the organization held eight fitness classes, including Tai Chi and cardio drumming instruction. They also installed bistro tables, benches and overhead lighting in the alley. Since then, Wayne Main Street has improved landscaping in the alley and added signage.
Bunkie, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project drafted plans to convert two vacant, city-owned lots into pocket parks.
Sisseton, SD
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To encourage residents to walk and increase the vibrancy of Sisseton's downtown, The Sisseton Arts Council created a new community gathering spot, which they dubbed the Midway Green Space. The site features a sculpture of a reflective, eight-point star, designed to represent the area's native Dakota and Scandinavian immigrant heritage. To make the Green Space inviting to visitors, volunteers installed granite benches and seeded native grasses. Since these improvements, project organizers secured funding for a second sculpture for the site, created by a local Native artist.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: A planning study revealed a lack of accessibility throughout the Chillicothe Transit System, with some riders sitting on the ground while they wait for the bus. To address this, the City stepped in the make bus stops more accommodating for riders of all ages and abilities. First, project organizers identified areas of town with high numbers of older adult transit riders and passengers with mobility challenges. Then they installed benches -- as well as swing sets -- at several bus stops. They also added bus shelters at two stops and erected new signage at more than 60 others. In the future, project organizers plan to add a mural to the pavement at the local library's bus stop. Organizers say the improvements make waiting for the bus more comfortable, which may lead to increased ridership.
Lancaster, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: Two bike audits will identify needed improvements along a path linking a high school and a community park in Fairfield. The county will share the results with city officials to guide future planning.
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